Reyataz® (atazanavir) for HIV Treatment and Prevention of Resistance

What Atazanavir Is and How It Works

Atazanavir is a protease inhibitor used with other antiretrovirals to treat HIV‑1 in adults and children. It lowers viral replication by blocking the HIV protease enzyme, helping reduce viral load and raise CD4 counts. This page uses purchase terms like Atazanavir buy and Atazanavir price so patients comparing costs, including those considering Atazanavir without insurance, can find clear answers. YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy based in Manitoba, and a pharmacist reviews every prescription before dispensing.

Atazanavir is available as oral capsules (commonly 150 mg, 200 mg, and 300 mg) taken once daily with food. Many adults use a boosted regimen: atazanavir 300 mg with ritonavir 100 mg or cobicistat 150 mg. Pediatric powder for oral suspension may be used in younger patients with weight‑based dosing alongside ritonavir.

We source authentic brand and generics from licensed, vetted partner pharmacies worldwide, offering a broad selection at Canadian pricing.

Dosage and Usage

• Adults new to therapy often take atazanavir 300 mg once daily with ritonavir 100 mg, or atazanavir 300 mg with cobicistat 150 mg, with food.
• Unboosted atazanavir 400 mg once daily with food may be used in select cases without tenofovir or acid‑reducing agents.
• When combined with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, boosting with ritonavir or cobicistat is generally required to maintain levels.
• Swallow capsules whole. Take at the same time each day with a meal or substantial snack.
• Missed dose: if less than 12 hours late, take the dose with food and continue the schedule. If more than 12 hours, skip and resume the next dose. Do not double dose.
• Acid‑reducing agents lower atazanavir absorption. Separate antacids by taking atazanavir at least 2 hours before or 1 hour after. H2 blockers require specific timing and limits. Proton pump inhibitors are generally not recommended; if used with boosted atazanavir, dose restrictions apply.
• Avoid strong CYP3A inducers (for example rifampin) and contraindicated drugs (for example simvastatin, lovastatin, St. John’s wort).
• Pediatric dosing is weight‑based and often requires ritonavir. Use the oral powder as directed and always give with food.

• Store capsules at 20–25°C (68–77°F) in a dry place. Short excursions 15–30°C (59–86°F) are acceptable.
• Keep in the original bottle with the desiccant to protect from moisture. Close tightly after each use.
• When traveling, carry doses in your hand luggage. Use a pill organizer that keeps medication dry and labeled.
• Do not leave medicine in a hot car or near heaters. Avoid freezing temperatures.
• If a dose is prepared for a caregiver or child, label the time and keep with food to ensure proper administration.

Benefits and Savings

Atazanavir offers once‑daily dosing with meal‑time convenience. It has a lipid‑friendly profile compared with some older protease inhibitors, which can help maintain favorable cholesterol levels within a regimen. Clinical trials show strong viral suppression when atazanavir is combined with an effective backbone and used consistently.

Ordering from YouDrugstore helps many patients save 60–80% compared with typical U.S. pharmacy prices. We carry generic atazanavir tablets and the brand alternative, so you can compare Atazanavir cost, Atazanavir tablets cost, and Atazanavir brand price before placing your order. Savings are available whether paying cash or managing Atazanavir without insurance.

Per‑month costs can be lower when you choose multi‑month supplies. Bulk purchase promotions sometimes reduce the per‑bottle price. You can also turn on gentle reorder reminders in your account to avoid treatment gaps. For current deals, visit our Atazanavir coupon page.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, fatigue.
• Benign jaundice: atazanavir often increases indirect bilirubin, causing yellowing of the skin or eyes without liver damage.
• Rash, which is usually mild and transient.
• Elevated liver enzymes, especially in patients with hepatitis B or C co‑infection.
• Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) or gallstones (cholelithiasis).
• Peripheral neuropathy or paresthesias in some patients.
• Indirect hyperbilirubinemia may lead to scleral icterus; this is reversible after discontinuation.

Serious but less common risks include severe skin reactions (Stevens–Johnson syndrome), significant hepatotoxicity, and cardiac conduction issues such as PR‑interval prolongation or heart block in patients with underlying conduction disease or those on interacting drugs. Drug interactions are significant: avoid rifampin, St. John’s wort, and certain statins (simvastatin, lovastatin). Use caution and lower doses with atorvastatin; pravastatin or pitavastatin are often preferred. Coordinate acid‑reducing therapy carefully, as higher gastric pH lowers atazanavir exposure.

Onset Time

Most patients see viral load declines within 2–8 weeks after starting a fully active regimen that includes atazanavir. CD4 counts usually rise over several months as suppression stabilizes. Symptom improvements, such as fewer infections, may take longer and depend on baseline immune status. Laboratory changes related to bilirubin can appear within days to weeks and typically resolve after therapy is stopped or changed.

Compare With Alternatives

Integrase inhibitors are commonly used first‑line for their strong efficacy and tolerability. Raltegravir, available as Isentress®, is taken once or twice daily and has fewer drug–drug interactions than protease inhibitors. Patients who have issues with acid‑reducing agents or lipid profiles may consider an integrase‑based regimen after clinician review.

NRTI backbones remain essential. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate with emtricitabine is widely used as a two‑drug backbone, supplied in fixed‑dose combinations such as Truvada®. When paired with atazanavir, boosting is generally needed if tenofovir is included to maintain atazanavir levels.

Lamivudine is another NRTI option and may be included in certain regimens. It is available as a standalone tablet; see our listing for Lamivudine to compare molecule‑level costs, dosing strengths, and pack sizes.

Combination Therapy

• With ritonavir 100 mg once daily to boost atazanavir 300 mg; take together with food.
• With cobicistat 150 mg once daily to boost atazanavir 300 mg; take with food and avoid additional ritonavir.
• With an NRTI backbone such as emtricitabine/tenofovir; ensure boosting when tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is used.
• Do not combine with other protease inhibitors unless directed as part of a specialized regimen.
• Coordinate timing or choice of acid‑reducing agents to maintain adequate atazanavir absorption.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Atazanavir may be suitable for adults and pediatric patients who can take a once‑daily, food‑based regimen and for whom drug interactions can be managed. It may be less suitable in advanced liver disease, in patients with pre‑existing conduction abnormalities, or where proton pump inhibitors are essential and cannot be adjusted. Those with recurrent kidney stones or gallstones may need closer monitoring or an alternative agent.

To manage costs, compare the Atazanavir cash price against brand options, and review Atazanavir tablets cost across strengths. You can lower the per‑month price by choosing a 60‑ or 90‑day supply when your prescription allows. Bulk purchase offers may appear during seasonal promotions. Set gentle reorder reminders in your account so you keep therapy continuous. These steps help those paying Atazanavir out of pocket or navigating Atazanavir without insurance.

Authoritative Sources

Reyataz (atazanavir) U.S. Prescribing Information – Bristol Myers Squibb

Health Canada Drug Product Database – Atazanavir

FDA Labeling – Atazanavir Capsules

Order Atazanavir from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express shipping.

This material is educational and does not replace advice from your physician, pharmacist, or other qualified health professional.